Nursing Assistant
A certified nursing assistant, or CNA, helps patients or clients with healthcare needs under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) or a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).
Introduction:
Nursing assistants, sometimes called nursing aides, help provide basic care for patients in hospitals and residents of long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes. Orderlies transport patients and clean treatment areas.
Employment Opportunities:
Nursing assistants provide basic care and help with activities of daily living. They typically do the following:
- Clean and bathe patients or residents
- Help patients use the toilet and dress
- Turn, reposition, and transfer patients between beds and wheelchairs
- Listen to and record patients’ health concerns and report that information to nurses
- Measure patients’ vital signs, such as blood pressure and temperature
- Serve meals and help patients eat
Career Opportunities:
- Nursing Assistant
Employment of nursing assistants is projected to grow 18 percent from 2014 to 2024.
Salary:
The average wage for this career is $12.13 hourly or $25,230 annually.
Location and Hours:
- Lindsey Hopkins Technical College (Certificate – 1230 Hours)
- Miami Lakes Educational Center & Technical College (Certificate – 1230 Hours)
- Robert Morgan Educational Center & Technical College (Certificate – 1230 Hours)